Historic 'Pamoja march' to the CHAN 2024 quarter-finals

Harambee Stars player dribble the ball on Sunday during a match with Zambia on August 17, 2025. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

For the first time in the history of CAF competitions, three co-hosts Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda have all advanced to the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024.

This show has embodied the tournament's "Pamoja" spirit, a Swahili word meaning "together." Hosting duties have been shared across the three nations, but now, so too is the joy of on-field success.

Kenya entered CHAN 2024 with little expectations, yet under coach Benni McCarthy, the Harambee Stars stunned the continent with disciplined performances and a fighting spirit that carried them to the top of Group A.

Their defining moment came at Kasarani Stadium on Sunday when Ryan Ogam struck in the 75th minute to seal a 1-0 victory over Zambia. That result took Kenya to 10 points, finishing ahead of Morocco, the 2020 champions.
The Harambee Stars' will now face Madagascar in the quarter-finals on Friday evening a clash expected to test their strength against one of the competition's surprise packages.

Tanzania have proven one of the tournament's most consistent performers. The Taifa Stars topped Group B with 10 points, winning three of their four matches and only dropping points in a dead rubber against the Central African Republic.

Their attacking flair and tactical balance has made them one of the toughest sides to beat.
On Friday night, Tanzania face Morocco, a stern test against seasoned CHAN contenders. To keep their trophy dream alive, the Taifa Stars must summon the same energy and precision that has defined their campaign so far.

Uganda's story is one of persistence finally rewarded. In six previous CHAN appearances, the Cranes had never made it past the group stage. This time, they battled through adversity to script history. Their decisive clash against South Africa ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw in Kampala. After falling 3-1 behind, Jude Ssemugabi and a last-gasp Rogers Torach penalty hauled Uganda level, sparking euphoric celebrations at Mandela National Stadium. The point lifted Uganda to the summit of Group C, booking their first-ever quarter-final berth. On Saturday, they will return home to face Group D's runners-up, a test of their new-found resilience.

Will either the Harambee Stars, Taifa Stars or Cranes keep the dream alive, and perhaps, deliver East Africa's first CHAN crown?